I am in a complete state of shock and deeply saddened regarding the news that 2fm Radio DJ Gerry Ryan has died. I got to meet Gerry through my participation of Operation Transformation this year. I found that my perception that I held of him had completely changed. He was a warm, kind and genuine man who will be sorely missed by everyone.

He has left an indelible print on Ireland’s broadcasting history and is a great loss to the nation’s airwaves. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Posted under Blog, Social, Uncategorized

Fine Gael Cork South Central Senator Jerry Buttimer speaking yesterday after the Irish Medical Organisation’s annual conference; has called on people in local communities to look out for one another during these difficult times. Senator Buttimer’s call, comes after it was revealed that there has been a large increase in illnesses relating to financial worry, such as an upsurge in alcohol and drug misuse.

“According to Dr Ronan Boland, GP leader of the IMO, there has been a huge increase in drug and alcohol dependence recently. This coupled with information from the CSO that shows suicide rates are increasing sharply is very worrying. This is why I am calling on people in local communities to support one another. As building a close community spirit can give people who are struggling, a sense of belonging to something rather than being left in isolation.”

“These are difficult times with people worrying about their personal finances; there is also great upheaval in people’s lives, with reduction in working hours, family members emigrating and reduction in pay for example. People are looking for a release in order to take the focus off their lives and are turning to drugs and alcohol for that release.”

“We need to give people an alternative other than alcohol and drugs. While these times are difficult, there are opportunities for people to get involved in community groups and contribute to their local areas.”

In conclusion Senator Buttimer said, “Local communities need to support one another and make sure that people are not left isolated in worry and fear of the change and upheaval that is happening their lives. Being apart of a strong local community can give people a sense of belonging and worth, that may have been taken away from them due to an unexpected or unforeseen change in circumstances.”

Posted under Blog, Carrigaline, Cork, Cork City, Social, South Central, South East, South West

Cork Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer has said that the time has come for a new Government and a new set of policies to get Ireland back to work. Speaking after yesterday’s Cabinet reshuffle, Senator Buttimer said “The Taoiseach has missed the opportunity to reinvigorate the cabinet and to provide hope to thousands of people. This is more of the same from a jaded political party. In truth people are not worried about this botched reshuffle, they are worried about their jobs, their children’s education and about securing their family home.”

“We have a crazy situation where employment and jobs now has no specific department. I am calling on the Taoiseach to outline Which Government Department now has specific responsibility for employment and creation of jobs.”

“The decision to allocate responsibility for Fas across three government Departments, Enterprise, Trade & Innovation, Social Protection and Education & Skills has not been though out. It now means that accountability and responsibility will be replaced by buck passing Ministers who will gleefully pass the blame”

“People must remember that’s its Fianna Fail and the present cabinet who have presided over the Irish Economic collapse, the Implosion of our banks and spiralling unemployment. The people who now sit around the cabinet are to blame for the mess Ireland and its people find itself in. This reshuffle rather than cutting costs will increase the cost of Government. I ask How much is the renaming and rebranding of the new Government Departments going to cost?”

Posted under Blog, Carrigaline, Cork City, Douglas, Economic, Employment, South Central, South East, South West, Uncategorized